IFA Issues Statement on America’s Health Care System

WASHINGTON, June 27 -- The International Franchise Association issued the following statement by Matt Haller, senior vice president of public affairs and government relations, about the Better Care Reconciliation Act:

"We are encouraged by the steps taken in the Senate discussion draft and applaud the work by lawmakers to address America's current health care system. The bill finds a much-needed balanced solution for health care reform that that will address cost containment and flexibility for consumers and employers.

"IFA is particularly encouraged by the Senate's efforts to provide small businesses with much-needed market leverage to compete in the health care marketplace. Locally owned franchises are America's hidden small businesses, with 733,000 establishments across the country. The entrepreneurs who make up the franchising system directly contribute $674.3 billion in economic output, accounting for roughly 2.5% of the private sector U.S. GDP.

"The Senate health care bill is a step in the right direction, and IFA will continue to work with lawmakers to ensure additional relief with respect to the employer mandate and the employer reporting requirements is provided for small businesses and their employees. We urge Senators to move forward and pass legislation without delay and bring relief to the nation's small businesses."

IFA has worked to educate lawmakers that certain provisions under the Affordable Care Act were unworkable for franchise owners who work across various industries, including restaurants, retail, lodging and service-related businesses.

About the International Franchise Association

Celebrating 56 years of excellence, education and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development.